Work Globally, Enjoy Life Locally

As digitalization makes it possible to work and enjoy hobbies remotely, it is a pleasure to live in a city where the quality of life is as good as it should be. The freedom to live how you choose, close to nature, while enjoying a lively urban culture, attracts incredible talent to Kuopio from different fields.

TEXT AULI TUOMI PHOTO VICENTE SERRA

FUTURE OFFICE WORK IS HYBRID

Many were used to working remotely already before the COVID-19 crisis of 2020. Office work has been in transition for a long time, but COVID-19 further accelerated the shift to digital technologies. The exceptional times have taught companies to utilize digital tools more effectively than before.

“I doubt there is any going back to working only from the office. It is more likely that people will work under a hybrid model, flexibly utilizing office premises, remote options and shared work environments”, says Silja Huhtiniemi, Chief Business Officer for Development and Communication at KPY Novapolis, which provides modern working day experiences.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE CREATES A SENSE OF MEANING

Facilities need to be adaptable to give people a genuine choice of when to toil away at the office and when to work remotely. Among others, KPY Novapolis provides a flexible range of facilities to meet the needs of companies in Kuopio.

Although many things are easy to do remotely, face-to-face interactions are still valuable.

“Creative brainstorming and establishing new customer relationships require physical encounters. Safe encounters give you positive energy”, says Huhtiniemi.

TALENT IS EASY TO HIRE FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Kuopio provides an ideal home for global companies with experts working in different cities and countries. The Savilahti district forms an exceptional hub of competence with its companies and educational institutions.

Specializing in smart clothing, Myontec has employees from Kuopio to Helsinki and as far as Thailand. Thanks to well-working remote connections, it really makes no difference where in the world everyone is.

“Things can be done easily over the internet, because we know each other’s personalities and ways of

Good esports opportunities attract new residents to Kuopio from near and far.

working. We can focus on what is important at work, instead of worrying about everyday concerns, such as commuting in traffic”, says Senior Advisor at Myontec Pekka Tolvanen.

TAKING ESPORTS SERIOUSLY WITHOUT BEING SERIOUS

Digitalization has not only removed obstacles at work, but also in hobbies. Sawo Esports is a new esports club that guides professional players and creates opportunities for young people to play games as a hobby. Launching junior activities has been important.

Good esports opportunities bring new residents to Kuopio from near and far.

“Fast internet connections at a competitive price are crucially important to esports players. They are a factor to consider when choosing the place to live”, says one of the organizers behind Sawo Esports Iiro Naamanka.

Physical location is both relevant and irrelevant in esports.

“A normal working day is a remote day in esports, but a team with big ambitions will certainly benefit if they can play in the same place for some time”, says General Manager Arttu

Hämäläinen.

Esports clubs have not previously had a strong regional identity, but things may change in the future. Perhaps Sawo Esports will be a force that unites people from Savo, creating a new local culture.